PITTSBURGH — Next month will be the start of a new era for two Catholic churches in Butler County.

Bishop David Zubik announced several church mergers and closings that include St. Matthias Parish in Evans City merging into St. Gregory Parish in Zelienople. That will occur July 1.

Both parishes have been under the direction of the Rev. Michael J. Roche, who could not be reached for comment.

There are 2,782 members of St. Gregory parish and 480 members in St. Matthias parish, according to the diocese. Enrollment in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade at St. Gregory School was at 240 students this past school year.

Both buildings will remain open for worship, but will have a unified staff, ministries and administration. Service schedules will remain unchanged.

Diocese spokesman Bob Dewitt said merging the two parishes is meant to cut costs and avoid duplication of staff, effort and administration.

These mergers are either a response to financial pressures that could not wait for the diocesan planning initiative “On Mission for the Church Alive!” or the result of discussions that had already advanced so far that the pastor did not want to wait for the “On Mission” process.

All churches, including St. Gregory, will be involved with the “On Mission” consultations starting in September despite the mergers.